Day 2

            The service projects today were home construction and volunteering at and for the senior citizen center. The construction work was on a home to improve their energy bill. Today we put up walls and a ceiling in the bottom level. Also, we put weather strips around the doors. All of the changes we made today would help the house be more energy sufficient. It was great that we got to meet the homeowner. She was very appreciative of what we were doing. She was very positive and extremely friendly. She told us of her life and welcomed us into her home, which was amazing since we just met her and basically invaded her house.

            One question we had when we went to Ellen’s was ‘How could her daughter let her live like that.’ When we first stepped in everyone was shocked by the dog poop on the floor and the conditions she was living in. She took us around her house and she showed us all of her photos. She clearly loves a lot of people; however it is sad because she lives alone. She is not totally alone. She lives with three dogs, but that probably is the cause of the mess. She is unable to take of herself, as well as all of her dogs. We picked up the poop, cleaned the sheets, and wiped down all the surfaces. After cleaning we were sadden by her situation. We thought of if our parents were in that position or even ourselves. What made the experience great was her attitude. Despite her current condition she has a great, fun loving attitude. She constantly made us laugh with her stories and one liners: I would rather being rich than good-looking.